The family of Rachel Whitear, whose body is to be exhumed as part of an ongoing Police investigation, say they have no regrets about making the anti-drugs video Rachel's Story.

The new police inquiry is examining whether her death was, in fact, due to a heroin overdose.

Rachel's parents, Mick and Pauline Holcroft, who live in Ledbury, say the educational video for schools was still a valid contribution to the battle against drugs.

The video, premiered at John Masefield High School, carries a photograph of Rachel's body, following a suspected heroin overdose.

Mr Holcroft said this week: "We would like to make it quite clear that we have no regrets about making the film.

"The outcome of the investigation, whatever that may be, will have no bearing on the validity and importance of the film in tackling the nightmare of drug abuse."

Rachel, who was 21, was found dead in an Exmouth house in May 2000 and is buried at Withington.

Questions have since been raised as to whether the amount of heroin found in her body would have been sufficient to cause death.

On Friday, Wiltshire Constabulary CID held a press conference in Hereford and announced that Rachel's body is to be exhumed as part of a re-investigation.

Mr Holcroft said: "This has obviously been a difficult few years for Pauline, myself and our family. Nothing can prepare a family for this. Although we are enormously saddened, we are coming to terms with the fact that an exhumation of the body is necessary.

"Pauline and I fully support Detective Chief Supt Paul Howlett and his team at the Wiltshire Constabulary in taking this difficult step. We thank them for their thoroughness, dedication, support and professionalism throughout the lengthy and meticulous investigation in Rachel's death.

"We would also like to the thank the Police Complaints Authority for taking on the investigation and ensuring that it is carried out to the level of detail it deserves."